DIMITAR Berbatov’s late winner for 10-man Manchester United ended Wanderers’ brave resistance at Old Trafford.

The substitute pounced on Jussi Jaaskelainen’s mistake after the Bolton goalkeeper spilt Nani’s low shot with just two minutes of normal time remaining.

Owen Coyle’s side looked to be on course for a richly deserved point when Jonny Evans was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Stuart Holden on 76 minutes, with the influential American stretchered off with a deep gash on his knee.

But Berbatov struck on Jaaskelainen’s blunder to end Wanderers’ six-game unbeaten run.

Daniel Sturridge wasted the best opportunity of the first half when Martin Petrov’s deflected drive dropped kindly into his path on the penalty but, uncharacteristically for the on-loan striker, he failed to make proper contact.

United piled forward after the interval but Bolton stood firm with Gary Cahill and David Wheater outstanding at the heart of the defence.

Evans was shown a straight red for his tackle on Holden which left the midfielder unable to continue.

Matt Taylor replaced Holden and missed a glorious chance to put Wanderers in front when he headed straight at Edwin van der Sar when Greatar Steinsson’s cross picked him out in acres of space inside the United area.

Jaaskelainen saved well from Wayne Rooney and Nani late on but could not hold the Portugese winger’s low drive and Berbatov bundled the rebound under the veteran keeper to send the Premier League leaders five points clear at the top.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Brown, Rooney, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Evans, Valencia. Subs not used: Owen, Berbatov, Park, Fabio, Gibson, Kuszczak, Gill.

Sent off: Evans.

Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Robinson, Cahill, Muamba (Klasnic 90), Holden (Taylor 78), Elmander, Petrov, K Davies, Sturridge (Lee 60), Wheater. Subs not used: Bogdan, Moreno, Blake, Alonso.

Booked: Robinson.

Referee: Andre Marriner.